Steve Smith’s ODI Farewell – A Rivalry, A Legacy, and A Moment with Kohli

 

In cricket, certain rivalries define an era—Smith vs. Kohli was one of them. But as fate would have it, Steve Smith’s final act in One-Day Internationals wasn’t just another battle against India. It was a quiet, reflective moment with Virat Kohli, his greatest contemporary. A lingering embrace, a whispered conversation—perhaps even the moment he decided to make his retirement from ODIs public.

Smith vs. India – A Career of Dominance

For years, India had been Smith’s favorite hunting ground. He played more ODIs against them (30) than any other team, scoring 1,383 runs at an average of 53.19—numbers that made him India’s biggest headache.

  • 5 centuries against India – No other opponent saw Smith at his destructive best as often.
  • 4,372 runs at No. 4 – His strongest batting position.
  • More centuries against India than against England (1 in 40 innings).

It was poetic justice, then, that his farewell match came against the team that feared and respected him the most. But as much as India suffered at his hands, they knew he was the kind of opponent that made them better. Much like a master strategist in 1xbet india, Smith played the long game, manipulating field placements, pacing his innings, and executing his plans with ruthless precision.

The Defining Knock – SCG 2015, The World Cup Semifinal

If there was one innings that summed up Smith’s ODI genius, it was his 105 in the 2015 World Cup semifinal at the SCG. India had momentum, belief—but they also had to deal with Smith. And he did what he always did best: absorbed pressure, dictated the tempo, and left the opposition in despair.

That century wasn’t just about runs; it was a transformation. It turned Smith from a promising cricketer into a world-beater, a player who would haunt India for years to come. The irony? His first ODI against India, in Visakhapatnam in 2010, saw him neither bat nor contribute significantly with the ball. A quiet beginning to a rivalry that would soon set the stage for countless battles.

Kohli and Smith – Parallel Journeys, Different ODI Paths

While the two were often compared in Tests, ODIs painted a different picture. Kohli, the relentless chaser, rewrote record books with nearly twice as many matches and an unparalleled consistency. Smith, in contrast, played a defined role—often anchoring, sometimes accelerating, but never chasing personal milestones.

  • Kohli’s staggering ODI numbers – Built for longevity, for breaking records.
  • Smith’s tactical brilliance – Never the headline-grabber, but always the thorn in India’s side.

But when Smith did unleash his full ODI potential, the world took notice—especially during his three consecutive centuries against India across two series, including those back-to-back 62-ball tons in Sydney in 2020.

The End, But Not the Legacy

Smith’s final ODI innings was classic him—73 runs, grinding on a slow pitch, trying to will Australia towards victory. And yet, for all his resilience, he fell to an uncharacteristic slog—perhaps a symbol that his time in the format had run its course.

His farewell wasn’t just about numbers; it was about presence. Ask any Indian fan—when Smith walked away LBW in the 2023 World Cup final, few moments felt as reassuring. His wicket was more than just another dismissal; it was the removal of a constant threat.

Now, with his ODI career closed, Smith leaves behind a legacy that is quieter than Kohli’s, but no less impactful. He was the kind of player teams hated facing but respected deeply. And as he bid farewell, it was only fitting that it happened in Kohli’s arms—two titans of the game, sharing a moment that needed no words.

What Smith Leaves Behind in ODI Cricket

  • A master of adaptation – Never the flashiest, but always effective.
  • India’s greatest headache – More centuries against them than anyone else.
  • A student of the game – Always playing within the team’s needs, never chasing records.

Much like a seasoned player in casino games 1xbet, Smith understood risk, reward, and timing. He played his role to perfection, knowing exactly when to go all in and when to hold back.

Final Thoughts – A Rivalry Ends, A Respect Remains

Smith will no longer torment India in ODIs. The nightmare is over, but the memories remain—of that elegant flick, that unorthodox stance, that unshakable presence at the crease.

For Kohli, for India, for cricket—this was more than just another farewell. It was a moment of acknowledgment, of shared respect. And in a game built on rivalries, that’s the greatest send-off anyone can ask for.